Second Co-op Rotation
Reid
Experience Information
Employer: Koops Inc.
Job Title: Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Koops Incorporated is a company that designs factory automation solutions. The company was founded in 1989 by Wes Koops. The company has grown rapidly but still maintains its values centered around teamwork and customer service. Koops began as an engineering service company and has since expanded to a full service solutions company.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was a part of many projects over the course of the semester. During this rotation I worked as a part of the controls department. I wrote code for numerous machines as well as created new subroutines to be used in the future. I also did some smaller projects designing machine concepts that could be used to improve manufacturing efficiency for our customers.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
The main skill I learned was how to program using PLC ladder programming. I also did some work using Solidworks CAD modeling. I used and improved other valuable skills needed in industry such as effective and professional communication and writing.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was learning a new programming language and then using that to make complex machines function in actual factory settings.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has greatly influenced my career goals because I had never considered being a controls engineer before this semester. Through this experience I have realized this is an area that I could potentially enjoy making a career out of.